2012-05-28

Here comes the solar energy passenger plane !

In comparison is the IO single seater.

Wing span is 65 meters and AR 20.
Loaded/unloaded ratio is 3.6-4.0.
Solar panel area 257 m2 and best ratio NASA has been able to absorb energy from these panels is 20% ( 200-250 watts/m2 ). Pedalling power in this 44 soul ship is made by 40 passengers..and is around 25-30 hp max.
I am looking for partners in this project...and an university that has high tech know how and CFD capabilities. Construction will be composite ( FOAM-PLYWOOD-CARBONFIBRE ). Glideratio at operating altitude 40 000 ft is 50:1.
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Some tuning and I got the frontal area down to 37.85 m2 ( 10 % off ).
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I like Solar Challenger type of transmission drive train system; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Challenger